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Dried Pepper Blend

Also known as Dried Pepper Blend (Banga Spice Mix)

The Banga Spice Mix is a pre-prepared blend of the specific Delta and South-South Nigerian spices that collectively define the flavour of Banga Soup and related Delta preparations. In Nigerian markets, it is sold as a convenient spice pack containing oburunbebe sticks, dried atama leaves, dried river leaves and sometimes dried crumbled ehuru.

Dried Pepper Blend, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 oburunbebe sticks — the most distinctive and irreplaceable Delta spice
  • 2 big handfuls of dried atama leaves (Heinsia crinita) — the signature Delta herb
  • 1 big handful of dried River leaves (Rumex acetosa or Rumex crispus)
  • 1 teaspoon of ground ehuru — adds warmth to the blend
  • Half a teaspoon of ground selim pepper (uda) — adds smoky aromatic depth
  • A small handful of dried uziza leaves — optional

Method

  1. 01

    Sourcing the Delta Spices. Oburunbebe sticks, dried atama leaves and dried river leaves are specifically Delta spices that are not widely grown outside their native region. In Nigeria, they are available at markets in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, and at specialist spice sellers in Lagos and Abuja markets.

  2. 02

    Lightly Toasting the Dried Leaves. Place the dried atama and river leaves in a dry pan over very low heat. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes until very slightly more fragrant — do not brown. This light toasting releases more of the aromatic compounds.

  3. 03

    Crumbling the Dried Leaves. Allow to cool. Crumble the dried leaves between your palms until they are in small, coarse pieces — not a fine powder. This crumbling helps them release flavour more effectively when added to the Banga Soup base.

  4. 04

    Combining the Blend. Combine the crumbled dried leaves with ground ehuru, ground selim pepper and crumbled dried uziza leaves if using. Mix gently. Keep the oburunbebe sticks whole — they are used as whole sticks in Banga Soup and removed before serving.

  5. 05

    Storing. Transfer to a clean jar. Keep the oburunbebe sticks in the jar alongside the crumbled leaf blend.

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